HCG Resources

Defining A Healthy Body Mass Index

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adults. Body fat percentage evidence suggests that men should have a BMI that is approximately 2.3 kg/m² higher than women.

BMI Categories for women:

Underweight = <18.5

Normal weight = 18.5-24.9

Overweight = 25-29.9

Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that BMI is a screening tool; it is not used to diagnose any medical conditions, but instead, is used as one measure to assess a woman’s weight and her risk for developing certain medical conditions.

To determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare provider will perform further assessments. According to recent guidelines, assessment of weight involves using three key measures:

BMI

Waist Circumference

Risk factor for diseases and conditions associated with obesity

BMI Calculator

Your Ideal Weight

The most accurate assessment of your ideal weight takes into account the composition of your body – how much of your weight is lean body mass (muscle and bone) and how much is body fat . For optimum health, body fat should be no more than 20% of total body weight for men and 30% for women.

Disclaimer: This information is not personal medical advice and is not intended to substitute for the evaluation of your individual health condition by your personal healthcare provider.

Ideal Weight Calculator

Body Frame Sizes

In order to refine and define theoretical weights, researchers added frame size as a factor.
The sizes are categorized into three categories: Small frame, medium frame and large frame.
The reason for this is that obviously bone structures vary in size and density from person to person. Equally obviously men and women have different structures. Bone mass and muscle mass all play a part in determining your optimal weight. Large boned people. There are two simple methods of determining frame size:

Measuring the circumference of your wrist. This is by far the most straight forward

Measuring the breadth of your elbow. This is a little more complex but provides a greater results range for the purposes of accuracy.

To do this you need to:

Stand up.

Extend your arm forward so that it is horizontal and parallel to the ground.

Turn your hand so your palm is uppermost.

Bend your elbow so your forearm is at 90º to the ground.

Use the forefinger and thumb of your other hand to locate the narrow part of your elbow joint.

Use your same forefinger and thumb as a guage to determine your elbow breadth by measuring the gap between them with with a ruler or tape measure.

Compare the value with the tables on the right.

Female Wrist Measurements

Height

< 155cm

155 – 163cm

> 163cm

Small

< 140mm

< 152mm

< 159mm

Medium

140-146mm

152-159mm

159-165mm

Large

> 146mm

> 159mm

> 165mm

Female Elbow Measurements

Medium frame

(If your elbow breadth is less than those in the table for a specific height, you are small framed. Similarly, if your elbow breadth is bigger than those in the table, you are large framed)

Height cm

Elbow Breadth mm

146 – 148

57 – 64

150 – 158

57 – 64

160 – 168

60 – 67

170 – 178

60 – 67

180 – 190

63 – 70

Male Wrist Measurements

Height more than 163cm

Small

140 – 165mm

Medium

165 – 191mm

Large

More than 191mm

Male Elbow Measurements

Medium frame

(If your elbow breadth is less than those in the table for a specific height, you are small framed. Similarly, if your elbow breadth is bigger than those in the table, you are large framed)